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r I . I I I , I I Task Noo 3 EVALUATION OF CLOSED BASIN PROJECT EFFECT ON A NEW STORAGE PROJECT ---------------------------------------------------------------- Task El ement No: 3a USBR activities on Closed Basin Project evaluation. Purpose: The Closed Basin Project envisions that an annual average of 60,000 to 90,000 acre-feet will be del ivered to the Rio Grande from the San Luis Valley. Its operation therefore needs to be understood since it could have a significant impact on the storable flows to a new reservoir proj ect. Approach: I 1. Collect and review publ ications (such as the Definite Plan Report and the Final Environmental Statement) on the Closed Basin Project. 2. Interview the USBR's project manager for the Closed Basin Project to obtain current information on the project. 30 The focus in the reviews and interviews will be on collecting the data required to estimate the volume and timing of the Closed Basin Project's accretions to the Rio Grande. Since Colorado cannot take credit (against Compact del ivery requirements) for new project water unless certain water quality provisions are met, investigations will al so focus on the water qual ity and whether it is likely that Project water will be able to be credited against Colorado's Compact obl igations. 40 The USBR will develop two compact scenarios for del iveries of Closed Basin water to the Rio Grande. These scenarios will probably be based on 1) 60,000 acre-feet of average annual deliveries and 2) 90,000 acre-feet of average annual deliveries. The scenarios will describe the monthly deliveries to the Rio Grande to be used for the sel ected study per iod in the model ing. 5. A working paper (with sufficient information to form the basis for a chapter in the final report) will be prepared describing the USBR's review of existing information, project history, envisioned Project operation (and problems of) and a description of the monthly compact del iveries to be used in the study. This working paper will include discussion on whether the Project imports to the Rio Grande Basin will be credited to Colorado's Compact obligations. I I I I Work Product: A USBR working paper discussing the Closed Basin Project's background, history, existing and proposed operation. Also provided will be two scenarios for the estimated compact accretions to the Rio Grande for the suggested study period. 10 C\> Leonard Rice Consulting Water Engrneers,lnc,